FORMED IN Columbus, Ohio this uncompromising four man hard rock band rapidly established a reputation as one of the most fearless, uncompromising acts on the scene. Moving quickly, Casablanca offshoot Millenium Records were quick to spot their potential, snapping them up as a sort of biker rock antidote to the flamboyant stadium cavorting of label mates Kiss and Angel. Produced by Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer, the GODZ debut album is an explosive statement laced with thick, bottom heavy riffs and simplistic, almost primal, guitar solos, whilst the lyrical content makes Kiss seem positively intellectual by comparison. Best of all, however, is the pure unrelenting power of the rhythm section; band leader and bassist Eric Moore outgonzoing Ted Nugent by a country mile. Make no mistake, this is a musical Mad Max soundtrack written and performed with motorcycles, whiskey and women in mind. Tracks such as ‘Gotta Keep A Runnin’’, ‘Under The Table’ and a choice interpretation of Golden Earring’s ‘Candy’s Going Bad’ make for some of the best hard rock music to have emerged from the mid seventies.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, additional previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1) Go Away 2) Baby I Love You  3) Guaranteed  4) Gotta Keep A Runnin’  5) Under The Table  6) Cross Country 7) Candy’s Going Bad

FRONTED BY the charismatic Karen Lawrence, 1994: were one, in a long list, of great North American hard rock bands that time and fame overlooked. This, their sophomore album, was released in 1979, Geoff Barton, then writing for Sounds magazine, and now, of course, Editor At Large of Classic Rock, made no secret of his love for 1994’s music and the charms of Karen Lawrence, going so far as to acclaim them as a veritable cracker box of explosive guitar based rock topped off by a stellar performance from one of the best (female) vocalists of the era; a deadly yet cool combination of Heart and Aerosmith. Produced by the dynamic duo of Eddie Leonetti (Angel, Legs Diamond) and Jack Douglas, the album was lavished with fervent praise, attracting rave reviews both at home and abroad.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, four bonus tracks, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with Karen Lawrence and additional previously unseen photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1) Once Again 2) Shoot To Kill 3) Sing To Me 4) Heleana 4) Bring It Home 5) Radio Zone 6) Hit The Hardway 7) Read Up 8) Anastasia. Bonus tracks: 9) Shoot To Kill 10) Find It In The City 11) Hit The Hard Way 12) Bring It Home.

BRAND NEW studio album reuniting the core duo of Donnie Vie and Chip Z’Nuff.A record full of all things sugar and spice with a sound that continues in the finest EZN tradition of razor sharp riffs and melodies to die for. This is a band that instinctively know how to inject the maximum amount of melody and muscle into every riff and squeeze the best out of every chorus. If you don’t believe us then plug and play tracks such as ‘Lazy Dazy’, ‘Code Red’, ‘High’ and the beautiful ballad ‘Roll Away’. Prime EZN with all the grand musical accoutrements you might reasonably expect. And, as a special treat, the album contains two additional bonus tracks not available on the Japanese release.

Track listing: 1. Dissonance 2. Fine Line 3. Lazy Dazy 4. Rollaway 5. High 6. Altered States 7. Playground 8. Sometimes 9. Joni Lynn 10. Chicago 11. Code Red (Bonus track - Studio Outtake) 12. When Doves Cry 13. Run For Your Life (Bonus track - Studio Outtake)

LITTLE CAESAR, a tatted-up bunch of mean biker boys from Los Angeles, stood out a mile from the big haired, lipstick smeared glam contingent during the late 80s.They even scored a hit with a cool-as-a-cucumber cover of ‘Chain Of Fools’, a performance that separated the men from the boys by virtue of its pulsating energy and vocalist Ron Young’s gargantuan vocal delivery. In 2010, Ron and the boys can be found moving forward with a vengeance.The band has crafted a new album, titled ‘Redemption’, a record full of vim and vinegar. Going back to their roots – not that they ever left them – the emphasis is on tough-guy riffs, blues soaked vocals and the sort of earthy swagger that suggests men on one hell of a mission.

Track Listing: 1) Same Old Story 2) Supersonic 3) Loving You Is Killing Me 4) Witness Stand 5) Redemption 6) Sick And Tired 7) Real Rock Drive 8) That Was Yesterday 9) Every Picture Tells A Story/ Happy 10) Woodstock  11) Just Like A Woman

KANSAS WERE one of the most successful American rock bands during the 1970’s.  Their carefully constructed brand of progressive rock managed to not only appeal to album buyers but also delivered hit singles (‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind’). Front man Steve Walsh provided unique appeal, lifting melodies up into the stratosphere and delivering class-A performances night after night.

Inevitably Kansas’s success led to some its members looking for further opportunities and, following a solo album from guitarist Kerry Livgren, vocalist Steve Walsh was the second member to branch out and record an album of his own. Taking his cue from their most successful record ‘Point Of Know Return’, the emphasis was on shorter more accessible tracks but was still imbued with supreme instrumental agility and, of course, his signature vocal.

Indeed, the Kansas connection was still very much in evidence, not only in the songs but also in the studio, where several members of the band helped out (Kerry Livgren, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams) as well as members of Dixie Dreggs, including guitarist Steve Morse who, ironically, went on to join Kansas in 1986. ‘Schemer Dreamer’ - originally released in 1980 - is universally acclaimed as an essential componant in the Kansas musical tapestry.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 2,000 word essay about the making of the album and full lyrics. Additional previously unseen photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. ‘Schemer-Dreamer/That’s All Right’ 2. ‘Get Too Far’ 3. ‘So Many Nights’ 4. ‘You Think You Got It Made’ 5. ‘Every Step Of The Way’ 6. ‘Just How It Feels’ 7. ‘Wait Until Tomorrow’

THERE’S NO getting away from the fact that the debut Boston album was one of the greatest, and of course most successful, recordings in the history of rock music. It was a record that changed the lives of the band members forever, rapidly elevating them from humble beginnings to headlining huge arenas worldwide. But good fortune soon turned to disappointment as the band slowly began to implode under the constant demand to keep the cogs of their hit making machine in motion.

By 1980 Boston was effectively put on ice by leader Tom Scholz, in an effort to resolve numerous business differences, leaving the rest of the group with time on their hands. Guitarist Barry Goudreau seized the moment and set about recording a solo album, enlisting the help of then unknown vocalist Fran Cosmo who, ironically, would later go on to replace front man Brad Delp in Boston.

Every inch as good as a fully-formed Boston album, the record is choc full of superbly constructed songs, great hooks, impressive production (from John Boylan, the producer of the debut Boston album) and Goudreau’s unmistakable, rich guitar tone. Look out too for further support from fellow Bostonians Sib Hashian and Brad Delp. A great lost classic for sure and one that sounds as impressive today as it did when first released.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from Barry Goudreau. Additional previously unseen photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. ‘Hard Luck’ 2. ‘Nothin’ To Lose’ 3. ‘What’s A Fella To Do?’ 4. ‘Mean Woman Blues’ 5. ‘Leavin’ Tonight’ 6. ‘Dreams’ 7. ‘Life Is What We Make It’ 8. ‘Sailin’ Away’ 9. ‘Cold Cold World’

EXPORT DEFIED all expectations by signing to the hugely influential US based Epic Records, whilst remaining virtually unknown in not only their home town but also throughout the entire UK. Not that the deal was undeserved; far from it. Their brand of melodic yet riff-driven hard rock found the band being lauded alongside similar, and huge selling, practitioners of the art such as Foreigner, Journey and Survivor.
‘Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye’, originally released in 1985, was the bands second album for the Epic label. Boasting cool song writing co-credits (including master of the art Bob Halligan Jnr.), and recorded in Philadelphia by seasoned producer Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Lita Ford), it presses all the right buttons on the catchy-yet-rugged melodic rock seismograph. The music is loud yet completely accessible and chock full of catchy hooks and expressive vocals courtesy of seasoned vocalist Harry Shaw.
Despite Export’s valiant efforts, Epic Records dropped the ball, allowing this exceptional slice of tough-guy AOR to fall flat on its face in a market that was, actually voracious for product. Truly, this is one album that should never have been allowed to slip between the cracks. Fortunately guitarist Steve Morris would continue the good fight by going on – by way of a high profile collaboration with Ian Gillan - to form underground AOR favourites Heartland and Shadowman.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full band involvement. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye 2. No Escape 3. Runnin’ Back (For More) 4. Airwaves 5. You Make Me Wanna 6. Closer To You 7. Tear Me Apart 8. Summer Nights 9. Can’t Say No

ANOMALIES ARE two a penny in rock music but none are more puzzling than the facts behind Export’s 1984 debut album ‘Contraband’. Released exclusively in the US, on the hugely powerful Epic record label, it came as something as a surprise to find out that this was in fact the work of an obscure British four piece rock band from Liverpool, a group who had barely made an impact locally let alone internationally.
Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find some intriguing detail. They were formed by guitarist/song writer Steve Morris and featured vocalist Harry Shaw, previously a member of highly touted early seventies rockers Hard Stuff, and were championed by - and signed to - Deep Purple’s boutique label Purple Records. Following the release of a now highly collectable independently released album, Export were spotted and championed by sixties chart topper Dave Dee, who honed and shaped them in the form of tough yet melodic UK hard rock success stories such as Foreigner and Bad Company. Early demos were cut with none other than future Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin.
Amazingly, the band’s strident brand of melodic hard rock caught the ear of Epic Records in New York, resulting in the first of two albums for the label. ‘Contraband’ showcases a superb collection of sophisticated melodic hard rock from the hands of gifted song writers and first rate players.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full band involvement. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Rockin’ For You 2. Destiny 3. Spotlight 4. Roll Little Sister 5. Take My Hand 6. You Gotta Rock 7. Rough Diamond 8. On The Run 9. Stay

UNQUESTIONABLY, BADLANDS were one of the brightest lights on the hard rock scene during the late 80’s and early 90’s. A mini supergroup of sorts (Jake E Lee from Ozzy Osbourne’s band, Ray Gillen, Greg Chaisson and Eric Singer from Black Sabbath), they had seduced fans and critics alike with their debut album, confident earthy blues rock performed with a sway and swagger that suggested it was just a matter of time before the band would achieve international fame and fortune.
Behind the scenes, however, things were not going well. Volatile personalities started to rip the group apart, with drummer Eric Singer being the first casualty on a conveyor belt of heartache and turmoil. It’s a wonder then that ‘Voodoo Highway’, originally released in 1991, proved to be such a magnificent follow up to their acclaimed debut. Crammed to the brim with solid yet melodic hard rock, the material is faithful to the band’s original concept and co-opts the best of the early seventies, lacing it with the sound of futuristic blues.
Sadly, the band’s combustible contents created a final rift that would scupper any chances of them continuing. Final concert dates, undertaken in the UK, proved to be a disaster, with singer Ray Gillen and guitarist Jake E Lee vowing never to work with each other again. The band’s legacy, however, has continued to gather momentum with many quite rightly citing ‘Voodoo Highway’ as the pinnacle of their creative achievements.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full band involvement. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. The Last Time 2. Show Me The Way 3. Shine On  4. Whiskey Dust  5. Joe’s Blues  6. Soul Stealer 7. 3 Day Funk 8. Silver Horses 9. Love Don’t Mean A Thing 10. Voodoo Highway 11. Fire And Rain 12. Heaven’s Train 13. In A Dream

THE LIST OF bands that should have made the big time, set against those who actually did, is one of life’s great mysteries. Badlands are a prime example of a group that seemingly had it all in the palm of their hand yet somehow, through no fault of their own, managed to spectacularly underachieve. By rights, if acclaim and good fortune depended on sheer talent alone then Badlands really ought to have bathed in both gold and glory.
Formed at the tail end of the late 80’s by super-guitarist Jake E. Lee, fresh from a massively successful tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, together with hugely talented vocalist Ray Gillen, ironically a former vocalist with Ozzy’s old band Black Sabbath, drummer Eric Singer (also a one time member of Black Sabbath) and bassist Greg Chaisson (from Steeler, one of Yngwie Malmsteen’s first bands), Badlands looked set to become one of the brightest lights on the scene.
Signed to Atlantic Records and recorded in both Los Angeles and New York, the debut Badlands album is a blistering endorsement of the bands desire to resurrect the earthy blues rock sound of the early 70’s by taking their cue from such ground shakers as Led Zeppelin and Cream, yet adding a contemporary side-order of melody and muscle. The results were astonishing. This album, originally released in 1989, side-swiped the competition by a considerable margin, separating them from the run-of-the-mill hair-band milieu, whilst opening up a world of possibilities that should have propelled them to international stardom.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, one bonus track, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full band involvement. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. High Wire 2. Dreams In The Dark 3. Jade’s Song 4. Winter’s Call 5. Dancing On The Edge 6. Streets Cry Freedom 7. Hard Driver  8. Rumblin’ Train 9. Devil’s Stomp 10. Seasons Bonus Track:  11. Ball & Chain

VIRGINIA WOLF’S debut album caused major excitement amongst critics and fans alike. It was a heady, mature brew of class-A grade melodic hard rock with infinitely catchy songs (mainly drawn from the hands of guitarist Nick Bold), stunningly executed arrangements and astonishing vocals from Chris Ousey, one of the UK’s most celebrated front men. That the album didn’t set the charts on fire was no fault of their own, so naturally a traditional, steady build to stardom was expected.
‘Push’, the band’s second and - as it turned out - final album, was delivered to a market that was rapidly changing and by a company that was, in the main, looking to make quick scores. Produced in San Francisco by Kevin Elson, a man who was at the time experiencing huge success with Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’, the record presented a far more mature approach to their craft. Once again, the songs were magnificent, the production being equally as exciting and the arrangements beyond reproach but with a record tailor made for the American market they really needed to a hit single, something that sadly never materialised. 
With the band stranded in Manchester and with no ability to tour the US, the record company quickly lost interest, exacerbating a slow death which began when drummer Jason Bonham opted to leave the band. Looking back, it’s almost inconceivable that such a work of brilliance was cruelly overlooked and allowed to languish. Truly a magnificent and brilliantly crafted record which still sounds wonderfully fresh today.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, two bonus tracks, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from the band. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. Don’t Break Away  2. One Night  3. Standing On The Edge Of Time  4. Open Door  5. Man On The Moon  6. Let It Go 7. You Don’t Know What You’ve Got  8. Can You Feel The Fire 9. Tables Have Turned 10. The Strangest Thing (It’s Called Love) Bonus tracks: 11. Tearing Me Down 12. Matter Of Time

THE RESURGENCE in popularity of British hard rock during the early and mid eighties had been fuelled predominantly by the emergence of the NWOBHM, a musical genre that mainly embraced rough hewn riff combos. However, a secondary more melodic movement was also in full swing spearheaded by musicians influenced by the enormous success of US based acts such as Journey, Foreigner and Loverboy. Virginia Wolf were, it must be said, very much at the cutting edge of the counter offensive, weighing in as one of the UK’s most promising new groups.
After years of struggle in their hometown of Manchester they eventually signed to Atlantic Records, by way of Genesis’ music publishing company, and quickly recruited drummer Jason Bonham (fresh from a stint with Airrace, another of the era’s brightest hopes) to record their debut album. Produced by Queen drummer Roger Taylor, the album hit all the right buttons and garnered critical acclaim with ease.
Released in 1986, such was the furore surrounding the project that the band were quickly ushered Stateside to open the bill for guitarist Jimmy Page’s post Led Zeppelin outfit The Firm (featuring Paul Rodgers), a tour that played to thousands every night in cavernous arenas. For a relatively fresh faced band from Manchester this was indeed a moment to cherish.
The Virginia Wolf debut album is regarded as a milestone in melodic hard rock, relying heavily on gifted song writing, together with the stunning vocals of Chris Ousey, a man with one of the most identifiable voices in British rock. It is a simply breathtaking offering.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from the band. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. Are We Playing With Fire 2. Make It Tonight  3. Only Love  4. It’s In Your Eyes  5. Waiting For Your Love  6. Livin’ On A Knife Edge 7. For All We Know  8. Don’t Run Away 9. Take A Chance 10. Goodbye Don’t Mean Forever